Saudi Arabia is a relatively unknown country, and the locals enchant us with their hospitality in an instant. Assalamualaikum! (peace be upon you) Welcome to the world’s original Islamic land, where disbelief is punishable and where many death sentences are still carried out today. Our journey will begin in the capital, Riyadh, where we will pick up our vehicles and start our Saudi adventure. Driving in the city is a challenge for any driver; if we arrive early enough, we will visit the old part of the city and mingle with the locals in the evening, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the capital.
The next day, we’ll head to the nearby village of Ad Diriyah, built from mud bricks and originally home to the first Saudi royal family. We continue with a visit to Al Masmak Fortress, the Deera Square, where until recently, offenders were beheaded with a sword, and a stroll past the Bin Abdullah Mosque. There’s also an optional off-road trip to the “Edge of the World” (Jebel Fihrayn), a dramatic geological wonder. We’ll also venture into the true red desert, where you can ride quad bikes or climb one of the beautiful sand dunes. We’ll take in a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Kingdom Tower and visit other landmarks like the financial center and Faisaliah Tower.
Our adventure continues towards the city of Hail, a historically important crossroads for pilgrims on their way to Mecca. We’ll stop in the mud village of Ushaiqer and the city of Buraydah, where we’ll visit the largest camel market in the world and make a stop at the local market to enjoy a delicious meal. We’ll also explore the Jubbah archaeological site with petroglyphs dating back 10,000 years and spend the night in Hail. The next day, we’ll visit two picturesque buildings: the Al-Qishla Palace and the A`Arif Fort, which offers an exceptional view of the city, built atop a rocky outcrop. We’ll also see Khalid’s Museum, set in a traditional Najd house, enjoy authentic Arabic coffee and tea with locals, and journey through incredible landscapes to the ancient caravan stop on the incense, spice, and silk route, Al-Ula.
After breakfast, we’ll take a day trip to the incredibly scenic Wadi Deesah canyon, where we’ll spend the day and momentarily forget about the vast deserts (a Jeep ride and a mini trek await us). In the evening, we’ll return to the Al-Ula area and head to a tent camp (adapted for tourists). We’ll explore the city market in the ancient village of Ad-Deerah, spend an unforgettable evening under the stars, and sleep in tents.
The next day is dedicated to exploring UNESCO World Heritage wonders. We’ll set off together to the ancient archaeological sites, starting with a visit to the “Saudi Petra” Mada’in Saleh (Hegra). The ancient relics and rock-carved tombs created by the Nabataeans (who also built Petra in Jordan) await us. In the afternoon, we’ll visit and photograph the natural wonder “Elephant Rock,” and explore the old railway station and the Maraya mirrored building, which is the largest mirrored building in the world.
In the morning, we’ll head towards the second holiest Islamic city in the world, Medina, where we’ll arrive late in the afternoon. On the way, we’ll stop at the remains of the Khybar fortress. We’ll explore the city and enjoy a delicious meal at the Al-Tabakha market. In the afternoon, we’ll view the famous Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque from the outside, with free time for coffee or tea.
After breakfast, we’ll explore the surrounding area. First, we’ll visit Qiba Street, where the first mosque in the world is believed to stand, supposedly built by the Prophet Muhammad himself. Then, we’ll embark on a short trek to Mount Uhud, the site of a historic battle between Mecca and Medina, with a stop at the Shuhada Mosque on the way back, where the graves of 70 martyrs are located. Our Saudi adventure continues along a scenic mountain road, with a lunch stop, before arriving in Yanbu in the afternoon, where you can swim in the Red Sea (in accordance with Islamic rules). The next day, we’ll head to the famous Jeddah, a city by the Red Sea and the gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina, where Muslims from all over the world gather.
After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic coastal road, stop in the incredible city of KAEC, and after a lunch stop, we’ll arrive in the famous Jeddah, a port city by the Red Sea that is now a modern commercial hub. At the same time, it serves as the gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina, attracting Muslims from around the world. We’ll stroll along Jeddah’s incredibly scenic promenade and visit the floating Alrahmah Mosque. Then we’ll go for an evening tour of the old city center, Al Balad, for an authentic Arabian experience. The next morning, we’ll do a day “photo stop” at Al Balad, visit the Bangalah fish market, and, by arrangement, have the opportunity to visit the Al Tayebat Museum. After a late lunch, we’ll slowly head to the airport, return our vehicles, and proceed to check-in.
Saudi Arabia has left us with incredible contrasting feelings at every turn, and we could easily spend another 14 days here without getting bored… But we love returning home to green Slovenia, where new challenges and thoughts of future adventures await us. 😉 Or, as the Saudis would say, Mashallah! (It happened by God’s will).(L)

We recommend this program to everyone who seeks a traveler’s and free-spirited way of discovering the world.